We drive the new Toyota Hilux Legend 55

We drive the new Hilux Legend 55

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At the heart of Toyota’s market share dynasty in South Africa sits one name: Hilux. It’s been the best-seller, the trusted workhorse, the all-occasion family mule and a symbol of reliability in a country that asks a lot from its cars, most of all its bakkies. We’ve even given the category its own localised name and to use something else is almost foreign.

As Toyota readies its the next all-new ninth-generation Hilux, the local operation has launched its new Hilux Legend 55. Based on the 11-year production run of the eighth-generation, this new Hilux isn’t here to change the trajectory of the pickup truck, but it’s here to mark it…with a badge. A farewell badge, yes, but also a tribute to a chapter of South African motoring written in farm dust, on long gravel stretches between forgotten towns, fuelled by padkos and nostalgia. Biltong tastes different in a Hilux.

Of course, heritage and nostalgia can only go so far when it comes to moving metal and that remains Toyota’s big play. As Isuzu and Ford graft the dealer network to catch Toyota at its lowest point, i.e. during a run-out phase of an old model, Toyota remains vigilant in keeping that long-standing sales lead. The Legend 55 will move the needle that much more and also keep the Hilux name top of mind.

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Exterior Package

For a start, Toyota has refreshed the Hilux body with a plethora of touches that differentiate and modernise. Keen-eyed fans will notice the new 18-inch alloys that match those on the updated Toyota Fortuner. These give the rugged Hilux Legend 55 an urban feel with dual-colour black and silver alloys which blend and contrast nicely with the rest of the exterior treatment. Gloss black accents make their way around the body on the door handles, the fender trim, the grille, shark fin antenna (on the DC only), gloss black rear bumper and LEGEND 55 tailgate badges. The Legend 55 also comes equipped with a manual roller shutter and a branded styling bar in the rear cab.

Combined with two new exterior colours, Sand Beige and Dark Green Mica Metallic, the exterior changes certainly make the car stand out. The key question about why the Legend 55 you see here is different to the Legend 55 presented at Toyota’s year-opening State of the Motor Industry event was addressed at the launch. The answer is quite simply, a lack of available parts. The Legend 55 was supposed to sit on a widened track like that of the GRS-III model, but due to global demand of that chassis, Toyota South Africa was forced to use this current base.

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Interior Additions

Step aboard the Legend 55 and it’s the same interior we know, except now imbued with an allotment of modern touches. Welcome lights are now offered on the DC model that blend with branded scuff plates. Sports seats embroidered with Legend 55 on the head rests are a nice touch as are floor mats and interior badging that keep you abreast of the label you’re driving. There are no other changes to the interior as far as tech and features are concerned.

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Driving Performance – a celebration of the Bakkie.

The Legend 55’s powertrain remains unchanged. It’s the solid, reliable and sufficiently powerful 2.8 GD6 paired with the six-speed transmission that now does work in a variety of other Toyota hard-working products. The drive was more a celebration of why we love bakkies in Mzansi. Driving through from Gqeberha to George via Graaf-Reinet meant we could savour the open road, traffic-free and flanked by near boundless landscapes. From mountain passes to flat, open terrain our journey was broken only by padstal stops, animals crossing and of course, the occasional stop to watch the sun dip below the mountain, Stoney Ginger beer in hand.

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The Hilux is just at home here. Throughout the dusty gravel roads and small towns that many of us haven’t had the privilege of visiting, the drive through this part of SA couldn’t feel more ‘right’ than in a Hilux. Many of its previous iterations still roam these parts with a few owners waving us down to chat about and survey the new ‘55’. Hilux is a cultural symbol for many. It’s a stamp of approval, a conclusion that ‘you’re one of us.’

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There are some reminders that the Legend 55 is an aged soul. The USB-ports and phone mirroring tech is the most obvious when compared to what is available throughout the segment. This is the main one but otherwise, this Hilux is like the older Uncle that used to be a national champion and despite his age, will still run circles around you on the field. It’s still that good and its competence, when compared to the many newcomers is still something to behold.

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Production of this Legend 55 has begun already and will likely continue into 2026 until just before the new Toyota Hilux is officially released. As to when that is, Toyota SA is keeping mum but our best guess is that it will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October, with official word on local introduction thereafter.

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Grades and Pricing: Toyota Hilux Legend 55

·      Xtra Cab - Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend 55 6AT: R813 700

·       Xtra Cab - Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x2 Legend 55 6AT: R728 300

·      Double Cab - Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Legend 55 6AT: R935 900

·      Double Cab - Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x2 Legend 55 6AT: R885 700

These prices represent a R26 500 hike on the equivalent Legend model.

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